The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 66

After lunch, Wang Shuhuai met Xiao Huaijin in the private room by the window of the teahouse.

The two were once classmates and were just acquaintances on weekdays. Xiao Huaijin did not get close to Wang Shuhuai because of their being cousins-in-law. Instead, they always kept their distance. Wang Shuhuai was even less familiar with Xiao Huaijin. After all, when he was an editor in the Hanlin Academy, Xiao Huaijin was still waiting for selection by the Ministry of Personnel. In recent years, he had been assigned to observe politics in the Ministry of Works. It was still uncertain whether he would remain in the Ministry of Works.

The two exchanged pleasantries, and Wang Shuhuai first offered Xiao Huaijin a glass of tea instead of wine.

“I was rude yesterday. I would like to apologize to Brother Xiao.” 

He bowed solemnly.

Xiao Huaijin turned aside to refuse his greeting, raised his teacup, and returned the gesture. “Master Wang, you are too modest.”

Wang Shuhuai could see that Xiao Huaijin was intentionally distancing himself.

Wang Shuhuai didn’t mind. Under his snow-white gown, he supported a slender arm. He held the teacup and asked Xiao Huaijin nonchalantly, “I’m very curious about what happened yesterday. What did the old woman say to you? What exactly did she tell you? Did she cause Brother Xiao to misunderstand?”

Xiao Huaijin held his teacup in silence, his eyes showing no fluctuation.

He knew well that Wang Shuhuai hadn’t come to discuss his sister. The Wang family must have already inquired about this matter, and Wang Shuhuai likely knew the answers. His real purpose was to test him.

Xiao Huaijin replied in a guilty tone, “It’s not a big deal. I just felt bored in the pavilion, so I went to the top floor for some fresh air. After the message was passed, I waited there. I didn’t expect it to be a misunderstanding.”

At first glance, the statement seemed flawless, but Wang Shuhuai keenly noticed two issues. First, the most critical point was vague, as Xiao Huaijin didn’t specify what the old woman said. It likely involved Xie Yunchu. Second, Xiao Huaijin’s explanation seemed like a cover-up.

Wang Shuhuai had already gathered the answers he sought.

Is this just one problem after another? He wondered.

However, Wang Shuhuai didn’t let any abnormality show. “In any case, I hope Brother Xiao can forgive us for what happened yesterday.”

Xiao Huaijin naturally understood the implication and responded, “Don’t worry, Lord Wang, it was merely a misunderstanding. I won’t mention it to anyone, nor will I take it to heart.” He indirectly conveyed that he had no interest in Wang Shuyi.

Wang Shuhuai knew all too well that it was someone else Xiao Huaijin was interested in.

Without any further delays, the two parted ways—Xiao Huaijin went to the Ministry of Works, while Wang Shuhuai returned to the Ministry of Revenue.

Before he even reached the gate of the yamen, Qi Wei informed him, “Young Master Xiao is twenty two years old this year. He was so focused on the Imperial examinations that he never got married. Now he’s settled in the Ministry of Works and has been discussing marriage lately. Young Master Xiao is clean, without even a concubine. He’s handsome and elegant, and many daughters of officials in the capital are eager to marry into the Xiao family.”

Wang Shuhuai nodded without saying a word.

On the morning of the 22nd, Xie Yunchu woke up feeling unwell. She experienced occasional lower abdominal pain and, upon checking, realized it was her period. Mama Lin heated a hot water bottle for her and placed it on her cold lower abdomen, sighing, “The young lady is always so cold toward her husband. When will the Second Young Master return?”

The two grandsons of the Eldest Wife were already talking, and Dou Keling’s son, Er Lang, was running and jumping about. Xu Shiwei had returned and mentioned she wasn’t feeling well, calling for a doctor—perhaps she was pregnant again. Mama Lin couldn’t help but worry about Xie Yunchu’s fate. The girl had a difficult life, with no mother to dote on her. Aside from herself, the wet nurse, and a few loyal maids, no one truly cared for her.

As Mama Lin thought of this, she couldn’t help but burst into tears.

Xie Yunchu leaned against the old red gorilla pillow, her pale face contrasting against its deep color. She appeared calm and composed. 

“There’s no point in being anxious. It’s better to arrive at the right time than early.”

When she thought of her son, she felt a pang of sadness. But after calming herself, she decided it was for the best.

Perhaps her son had felt sorry for his mother in the previous life and was willing to welcome her with a new perspective.

After her rebirth, many things had changed. Everything had its own destiny. If that person was meant to be in her life, they would meet eventually.

After a while, Xia An came to report that the second lady, Wang Shuqin, had come to visit.

Xie Yunchu was surprised. Wang Shuqin had always been proud and arrogant and would never usually come to the second house. What brought her here today?

After a moment, Wang Shuqin was ushered in. She looked around but didn’t see Sister Ke, so she asked, “Where’s Sister Ke?”

Xie Yunchu smiled, saying, “She likes to raise a pond of little black fish in the backyard. I asked the nurse to take her over.”

Wang Shuqin felt relieved, as she had no patience for noisy children. Seeing Xie Yunchu lying in bed, she realized she was unwell. “What’s wrong, sister-in-law?”

Understanding the situation, Wang Shuqin sat down beside her.

After the maid served tea, Wang Shuqin took the initiative to explain the purpose of her visit.

“Shuyi was punished, and Shuya didn’t perform well in her studies the day before yesterday. She was scolded by the Fourth Aunt, who detained her in the yard to study. The two children were making noise in the Elder Sister-in-law’s room, and I was really bored, so Mother sent me to you, Second Sister-in-law. Please don’t dislike me.”

Xie Yunchu smiled, “You’re a distinguished guest. You rarely visit. How could I dislike you?”

Wang Shuqin teased, “If I come often, will my sister-in-law dislike me?”

Xie Yunchu actually liked Wang Shuqin’s personality. Though proud, she wasn’t willful. She had a cheerful temperament, though a little stubborn at times. “If you visit more often, I won’t mind. Look at me—I have nothing to do right now. I’d love for someone to keep me company and help pass the time.”

Wang Shuqin perked up. “By the way, Second Sister-in-law, did Third Sister-in-law take over the household management?”

Seeing Wang Shuqin’s curious eyes, Xie Yunchu couldn’t help but laugh, “It doesn’t count as taking over; I handed it over myself.”

“That’s more like it.” Wang Shuqin shrugged and set down her teacup. “Mother said it was fortunate you helped the second household get back on track. You established proper rules, assigned responsibilities, and made everything run smoothly. If someone else had kicked you aside and taken over, it would’ve been heartbreaking.”

Xie Yunchu was slightly surprised—someone in the Wang family had spoken up for her, fairly.

She smiled.